Things are about to get sexy up in here, White Russian style.
Back in my naive, just turned 21 days, I didn’t know a thing about ordering a cocktail. Long lists of complicated drink names only confused me, and after one too many well-intentioned friends tried to “initiate” me with a Jägerbomb, I nearly signed off liquor altogether.
Then came the White Russian.
A White Russian is so creamy, sweet, delicious and secretly potent. I didn’t figure out the potent part until I downed three within one hour and was then found running laps in a nearby parking lot just for fun. Hmmm, glad I’m not 21.5 anymore.
While a traditional White Russian is comprised of vodka, Kahlua and cream, I wanted to keep mine dairy-free so I opted for full fat coconut milk instead. Freeze those babies into cubes and you have the base for one seriously sensational frozen cocktail.
The coffee gets everything going in your blender and adds another element of coffee goodness to this drink. I could’ve slurped the whole batch down, but then I would’ve been running laps around our backyard and John would’ve have that. Thankfully I’m 26 now and just a tad wiser than my 21-year-old self. THANK GOODNESS.
Origin of White Russian Cocktail
The first written recipe for a White Russian Cocktail is believed to be from a 1930 cookbook called The Savoy Cocktail Book. It contained recipes for using vodka, which at the time, came primarily from Russia. The drink later became popularized by the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski.
This beverage is a D-R-E-A-M. Creamy, coffee-infused, plenty boozy and only slightly coconutty. Topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and it’s pure sin. Oh lordy, we’re going all in. Wanna join?
Frozen Blended Vegan White Russian
Ingredients
- 10-14 coconut or almond milk ice cubes*
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces Kahlua*
- 1/4 cup bold coffee (chilled)
- Agave nectar or powdered stevia (for sweetening // or honey if not vegan)
- Chocolate sauce (optional // for topping)
Instructions
- To make coconut ice cubes, simply shake and stir a can of full fat coconut milk (or use light coconut milk OR unsweetened almond milk, though it won’t be as creamy) and pour it into an ice cube mold. Freeze until completely hardened – 5-7 hours or overnight.
- Add coconut ice cubes, coffee, vodka and Kahlua to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding agave nectar, stevia or honey (if not vegan) if desired.
- Pour into 2 tall or 4 short serving glasses (as original recipe is written) and top with chocolate sauce and/or coconut whipped cream.
Notes
*To make this cocktail lighter, sub light coconut milk OR use half full fat half light or almond milk.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without extra sweetener or chocolate sauce.
*There seems to be some dispute over whether Kahlua is vegan-friendly or not. Past formulations seemed to be, but on their website Kahlua says its “original” is not vegan-friendly. However, looking at the ingredients it’s unclear what’s not vegan-friendly about it (no dairy is listed and they don’t filter their sugar through bone char). If vegan, proceed with caution and read the ingredients depending on which Kahlua product you’re buying.
Alison says
First time I’ve had Kahlua, this recipe is super tasty, even without the chocolate sauce. Didn’t have enough frozen coconut so I topped up with soy milk. Added about a tsp of maple syrup, as I’m not a fan of super sweet drinks. Your recipes are always my go to.
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Alison! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Christina says
Kahlúa is not vegan though according to http://www.kahlua.com
Julie Wood says
When does your cookbook come out? I am salivating waiting!!!
Ha! It’s currently in layout/editing. We’ll have more info very soon, Julie! xoxo
Julie says
????
Alison says
I wondered about that too. Web pages were not helpful. Looking at all the ingredients, there is nothing that looks NON vegan, sugar, rum, Kailua concentrate, coffee extract (rum,sugar, Arabica coffee, caramel and vanilla). Unless the sugar is filtered with bone char
Meagan Motley says
I don’t think Kahlua is vegan. The ingredient Carmel could be the culprit (typically never vegan and made with milk unless you specifically make yourself). It’s very hard to find vegan caramel though. Man this sounds so good though!
Cat @ Reader Eater says
I’ll take 3. (It’s been a long day.)
Little Cooking Tips says
John and Dana: WOW!
We’ll opt for the honey, as we’re omnivores ourselves, and it will indeed taste amazingly!
We just stumbled upon your blog and it looks fantastic! Minimalist, like it’s title with beautiful photography!
Excellent work guys!
Panos and Mirella
sarah caroline says
I was going to share how my Dad made these, but now I forgot with all the back and forth “is it vegan” stuff. You – the Great You, not any you specifically – can find a way to make any food not vegan if you look hard enough. Like that vegetable was grown with cow manure. Uh-oh, cow involvement, not vegan! Or “this Amy’s frozen awesome-sauce (literally, their sauce is awesome) g-free vegan ziti is not vegan because that guy who rang me up at the grocery check-out was wearing leather shoes!”
So I guess my point is that OK some guy who isn’t vegan owns one company that makes Kahlua isn’t a vegan. Just do your best and respect animals and people, ok? I can work myself into a tizzy over “Oh $%^&”, there WAS egg in that cake! I am the worst person ever!”, or I can say “oh well, next time I’ll check better and BTW, I’m the one who now has really bad gas ‘cuz eggs and my stomach are soooo not friends.
Sorry to ramble. I have watched 6.5 seasons of The Gilmore Girls in about 4 days. I think I am talking like they are now which is not going to thrill any of my friends. :-X <–me! I swear!
And my Dad's white russians. He made them a few hours early (he doesn't recall how many, he's not really a drinker, but I have a memory like a steel trap about some things), put 'em in the freezer, et voila, frozen-ish white russians. I got to have sips as a kid and thought they were sublime. So if you don't want to wait for the coconut milk cubes, you can stick the drinks in the freezer before dinner and take them out after. Yum! (I can't believe there was no wicked debate about the chocolate sauce!) Hehe. :D
Jessie says
A person CAN make their own Kahlua and ensure that it is indeed vegan. Not complicated at all!
rebecca says
The ingredients are vegan friendly. After my comment in December of 2013, new information was added: “Barnivore note (February 2014): Kahlúa is owned by Pernod Ricard, a major funder of bullfighting.” It looks like that is the reason why Kahlua is now considered non-vegan.
Courtney says
Every Kahlua on that barnivore search says not vegan friendly…
sarah caroline says
More kahlua for the rest of us, huzzah!
autumn says
You classed up the white russian something fierce! ? After we’re 21, I think the other thing that no one wants to admit is how good white russians are. This one looks amazing.
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
And Dana strikes again with another coconut milk miracle. Yuuuuum! Must must MUST try.
Looking FANCY says
Wow, your drink looks like a win win combination!! I love all the ingredients! Greets from LF
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
oh lord this looks soo god and I dont even know what White Russian entails but I am going to have to try this.
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
This looks wonderful! A perfect summer drink!
KLFoodblog says
Love the pics looks great…!
Kristi says
Oh my goodness… I think that glass has about everything I love. Coffee, vodka, coconut…definitely will be trying this soon.
Sarah says
HAHAH – I am 22 now. So thank you for sharing the white russian with me! Good times ahead, I’m sure! Amazing photos, PS.
Brieanna @ Going Brienanas says
What a fantastic idea to use coconut milk in this recipe!! You guys are awesome, love your blog and thanks for sharing : )
Thanks, Brieanna!
Tieghan says
I dont really drink, but Oh my gosh I would for this! It looks insanely yummy!
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen says
This looks divine! I love the idea of the coconut milk ice cubes too!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
This looks so delish. Coconut ice cubes sound amazing.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Oh god, jager bombs…I still can’t think about ever drinking jager again. I agree, so glad I’m not 21 anymore. Although, I think I drank too many of those when I was 19.
I’ve pretty much written on liquor, but this does look delicious.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I don’t drink too much, but MAN! How have I never tried this?! Looks awesome!